How To Wash Sweaters The Right Way (No More Shrinking!)

It’s officially sweater weather! Now that fall is here, it’s time to bring out cozier clothes. However, since our sweaters have been sitting in the wardrobe for quite some time, they probably need a good wash before you can put them on. But washing sweaters can be a bit of a nerve-wreaking task. What if you shrink them? Or what if they get damaged? Don’t worry, that’s why we are here to help. You can easily clean your sweaters at home without ruining them. Plus, this way you can save money and time from going to the dry cleaners. So, let’s see how to wash sweaters the right way.

It’s officially sweater weather!

How Often Should You Wash Sweaters?

You don’t need to clean your sweaters after every time you wear them. In general, it’s recommended to give them a good wash after three or five wears. Of course, this doesn’t include if they are visibly dirty. However, the more durable the material of the sweater is (such as wool) the less it will need to be cleaned. There is no need to overwash a sweater as it will shorten its life.

You don’t need to clean your sweaters after every time you wear them

How To Wash Sweaters

It’s time for fall fashion! This means sweaters will be a must-have. And they come in a ton of different colors, materials, styles, and sizes. This may leave you feeling afraid when it comes to washing them. Nobody wants their favorite sweater ruined. In general, there are a couple of ways you can clean a sweater. And today we are going to show you the safest ways to wash these cozy pieces.

Nobody wants their favorite sweater ruined

#How To Wash a Sweater By Hand

One of the best ways to ensure your sweaters will stay fluffy, soft and the same size is to handwash them. It’s really hard to go wrong with this method, and it’s not as hard as you may think!

One of the safest ways when it comes to cleaning sweaters is to handwash them

Tools: 

• Plastic tub or sink
• Mild detergent or mild dish soap
• White Vinegar

Steps:

1. Take your tub or the sink and fill it up with some cool water. Add in some mild detergent (or dish soap). Then add in 3/4 of a cup of white vinegar.
2. Turn your sweater inside out and place it in the water. Swish it around a bit and then soak it for around ten to fifteen minutes.
3. Then rinse the sweater by removing it from the cleaning solution and placing it into a tub with clean water. Swish it around in the clean water and repeat this for a couple of times until there is no more detergent.
4. Do not wring out the sweater!

Take your tub or the sink and fill it up with some cool water

@Eileen Fisher

#How To Wash a Sweater in the Washing Machine

If you don’t have the time or patience to handwash your sweaters, you can always wash them in the washing machine. However, you can’t just put them on any cycle. There are some things you should take into consideration. You should also always check if the sweater is machine washable.

You can always wash your sweater in the washing machine

Tools:

• Washing machine
• Mesh laundry bag
• Gentle detergent

Steps:

1. Place the sweater in a mesh bag, alongside other delicates or other sweaters in the washing machine.
2. Choose a cycle that is for delicates or a hand wash cycle. Make sure it’s set to cool water and the cycle is slow, short and the spin speed is low.
3. Add some gentle detergent and let the cycle start.
4. Do not wring out the sweater!

Add some gentle detergent and let the cycle start.

#How To Dry Sweaters

It’s not recommended to dry sweaters in the dryer. This will only cause them damage, wear them down faster, cause them to shrink and pill. Even if you have the best dryer, and it promises that it can dry sweaters, don’t do it. When it comes to sweaters it’s best to air dry them. This goes for both ways of washing. Here is what to do.

It’s not recommended to dry sweaters in the dryer

1. It’s also best to never wring out the sweater. Just lay the sweater flat on a thick towel and roll it. Then gently squeeze out as much water as possible.
2. We recommend you air dry your sweater flat rather than hanging them. This will help you to avoid the fibers getting stretched out.

It’s also best to never wring out the sweater

@The Spruce

#Stain Control

Stains are a pain to get rid of. However, they are a part of life. When it comes to stain control on sweaters it’s best to pretreat with stain remover before washing. Just dab in the stain remove with a cloth onto the sweater and then wash.

It’s best to pretreat with stain remover before washing

@The Spruce

This was how to wash sweaters the right way in order to avoid shrinking and keep them fluffy and warm for years to come. We hope you found this article useful. Now you can enjoy your cozy sweaters without worrying that something might happen to them.

Now you can enjoy your cozy and clean sweaters

Sources:

• The Spruce ©
• Esquire ©
• CNN ©
• Art of Manliness ©
• Apartment Therapy ©

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